Labor Day

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History

Labor Day grew out of the European labor movement.

Mid-19th century working conditions were poor, esp. for those in the industrial sector.

The first US Labor Day was commemorated in Chicago in 1882.

This was made a national holiday only in 1894. The special day was a way to give a voice to labor, to release steam.

Note: May 1 is a national holiday in more than 80 nations. In the US, the September date took the place of the May date (which was associated with unrest and revolution).

Labor Day and Christians

Questions we may be asking:

Should workers organize?

Is it appropriate for a Christian to be a member of a union?

Is it appropriate for a Christian to strike?

Christians need to remember that the greatest good is not economic, and that Christ did not insist on his rights. Before aligning oneself with any labor movement (or union), we should make sure our attitudes are correct.

Questions we should be asking:

Am I serving my employer with all my heart—as serving Christ?

Are we putting out ultimate hope in economics?

Do I speak ill of my employers, of authority figures?

Am I demanding my rights – possibly with the law and the power of the courts backing me up – in violation of the principle of 1 Corinthians 6?